Minutes Meeting Jan/Feb 2010

 

IN ATTENDENCE:            Councillors :   Cllr. Eamon Barrett (Cathaoirleach)

Cllr. Philip Mc Glynn, Cllr. Elizabeth Mc Intyre, Cllr. Denise Connolly, Cllr. Florence Doherty, Cllr. Arthur Rafferty, Cllr. Michael Mc Mahon, Cllr. Dermot Doherty, Cllr. Sean Mc Eniff

                                                                                                                       

                        Officials :         Mr. Sean Sheridan, Town Manager

Mr. Liam Murray, Town Engineer

Mr. Peadar Thomas, Area Manager Roads

Mr. Joe Mc Nulty, Town Clerk

                                                            Ms. Edel Carlin-Rosanio

 

1/10     Vote of Sympathy

 

Cllr. F O’ Doherty proposed a vote of sympathy to the people of Haiti on the recent earthquake.  A vote of sympathy was also passed on the death of

Mrs P. Breslin, Church Road.  A minutes silence was observed.

 

2/10            Adoption of Minutes

 

Adoption of Minutes of  Budget Workshop meeting 8^th December, 2009

            Proposed by Cllr. Connolly, seconded by Cllr. Mc Intyre

 

            Adoption of Monthly Meeting 8^th December, 2009

Proposed by Cllr. Connolly, seconded by Cllr. Mc Intyre

 

            Adoption of Budget Meeting 15^th December, 2009

            Proposed by Cllr. Connolly, seconded by Cllr. Mc Intyre

 

3/10             Managers Orders

 

            Managers Order as circulated were noted by the members

 

4/10            Planning Applications

 

            Planning Application as circulated were noted by the members

 

5/10            Schedule of Uncollected Rates 2009

 

The schedule of Uncollected Rates was circulated to the members for their inspection.

 

6/10     Inter Authority Borrowing

 

Approval of Inter Authority Borrowing between the four Donegal Local Authorities 2010 was proposed by Cllr. Connolly, seconded by Cllr. Mc Eniff.

 

7/10            Tourism Report

 

A Tourism Report was circulated to the members prior to the meeting.  Ms. Ferguson informed the meeting that there had been a lot of queries from walking groups and walking routes were being established.  She also reminded the members that there would be a Tidy Towns Meeting held in SuperValu on Thursday at 8:00 o’ clock.

 

Cllr. Doherty complimented all those involved in the Christmas Lights.

Cllr. Rafferty informed the meeting that they hoped to double the amount of lights next year.  Cllr. Barrett thanked Ms. Ferguson on the help she gave himself and Cllr Rafferty in the organising of the lights.

 

Cllr. Mc Mahon felt that the developer who applied for planning permission for Camper van facilities should be contacted by the Council to see would he proceed with the application.

 

8/10     Local Government Act 2001 – Annual Declaration of Interests

 

Mr. Mc Nulty reminded the members that there was still some Declarations outstanding and they had up to the end of February to submit their declaration of interests.

 

9/10            Presentation from Bundoran Community Childcare Centre

 

Ms. Carmel Mulhern, Chairperson of the Bundoran Community Childcare  Centre gave a presentation to the members in relation to its current situation with a view to requesting support of the Council in its bid to secure its existence.  She gave a brief outline of the background of the group, what facilities they provide and its current financial problems the group is facing with regards the high rent which was agreed by the previous committee and the arrears of rent due to the developer. 

 

Cllr. Connolly was delighted that the group changed its name as it is a Community Playgroup.   She felt that the landlord had come a good way to help the group and he should be thanked and asked if the Town Manager could help us in where we the Council stand on this.

 

Cllr. Doherty felt it was a vital service to the town and ideally situated and they run a very professional service with 12 full time employees.  She felt that St. Patricks Hall which was suggested at a previous meeting was not a suitable option as it did not even have a safe landing area and was very dangerous.  She asked how much the group takes in annually and what the shortfall was per year.  What options was there in accessing money from Cluid, AIB Better Ireland and can the group manage a rent of €500 per week.  She asked that the group needs to be more specific in what they need.

Cllr. Mc Mahon had a problem with the money outstanding from Cluid and asked that this be pursued.

 

Cllr. Rafferty said that €500 a week rent was sustainable for the group to manage and asked what the purchase price of the building was now as it would be valued at a lot less than before.

 

Cllr. D. Doherty felt that all the members wants to support the group but had they received a response from the Landlord in relation to agreeing €500 a week rent and the cancellation of the arrears.  The Council cannot assist until theses issues were finalised and clarified and a plan in place.

 

Cllr. Barrett also agreed that the issues were still outstanding and the group would need to get agreement on the rent and arrears, find out a purchase price for the building and money from Cluid.

 

Cllr. Mc Intyre also felt that clarity was required and a referred to the letter from the solicitor in relation to rent agreement and 3 year lease, and queried if this had happened.  She felt that to move forward the group need clarification, and the Council were 100% behind you but these issues needs to be clarified and agreed first.

 

Ms. Valentine O’ Kelly confirmed that all Capital Money sources ceased to exist, the building would need to be independently revalued.  She felt it unfair for Cluid to say money unavailable as Playschool isn’t aware of this, and Bundoran was the only application in for this funding.  The Committee is considering renting a smaller premises and withdrawing some of its services with just providing Playschool and after school services.

 

The Manager of the Playschool informed the group that they were awaiting subvention from the department and that now 90% of the people coming through the door were on Band A reduction.  She queried the agreement at the last meeting of funding of €10,000 set aside for Community Groups from the Council and could they get this.  Cllr. Barrett confirmed that this was not specifically allocated to the Playschool and that the group would need to come back to the Council with clear details, figures and a copy of lease signed by the landlord with regards rent, arrears and what is happening over the next 3 years.

 

Cllr. Connolly proposed that we write to the Government re. subvention and that it be paid to you immediately and also that the Council be made aware of outcome between the Playschool and the landlord and put in a request when this is finalised to meet the Council, this was seconded by Cllr. Barrett. Subject to full details in writing re subvention to be supplied to the Town Clerk . 

 

 

Cllr. F. Doherty proposed that the €19,000 and €10,000 be ring fenced for the Playgroup, there was no seconder for this proposal.

 

Cllr. Mc Eniff felt that when they come back with facts and figures and copy of new lease the Council would meet with them again.

 

10/10            Presentation from Irish Surfing Association

 

As some of the members were in  Portugal and could not attend it was agreed to  defer this to the next meeting.

           

11/10   Group Personal Accident Insurance – Elected members

 

            Mr. Mc Nulty confirmed that members were in Scheme B level 2.

 

12/10   Access to Tullan Strand

 

            Mr. Sheridan said there was no further update available.

 

Cllr. Connolly asked what the rules were in relation to quads on the dunes and could we write to the army re access of quads to the dunes and a sign needs to be erected saying no quads on the beach or dunes.

 

Mr. Mc Nulty confirmed that there was a sign at the entrance to the beach in relation to new byelaws.  Mr. Sheridan confirmed that he would speak to Donegal County Council to speak to the gardai as there was byelaws in place prohibiting quads on beaches.

 

13/10            Motions

 

(a)            Submitted by Cllr. Sean Mc Eniff

 

(i)                 “That this Council employ a consultant to install close circuit TV cameras at the various points of entry to the town and other vulnerable areas”

 

Proposed by Cllr. Mc Eniff, seconded by Cllr. Mc Glynn

Mr. Mc Nulty confirmed that in conjunction with Erne Enterprise a consultant had identified the areas where cameras would be placed around the town but no date had been set for stage 2 of the funding.  Mr. Sean Sheridan said that this could be an issue for the Joint Policing Committee.

 

(ii)              “That this Council have a table space in the library with promotional brochures and bus & rail timetables, where visitors can get information during the months when the tourist office is closed”

 

Proposed by Cllr. Mc Eniff, seconded by Cllr. F. Doherty.

 

Cllr. Connolly asked that the Council meet with Failte Ireland prior to Easter

 

(b)            Submitted by Cllr.  Philip Mc Glynn

 

Under Code of Ethic’s it was noted that Cllr’s Mc Intyre and Mc Eniff vacated the chamber.

 

(i)                “That Bundoran Town carry out a Material Alteration to the Bundoran & Environs Development Plan 2009-2015 to have lands currently zoned as open Space/Amenity in the townland of Magheracar as shown on the attached map to be zoned as Residential Phase 1”

 

Proposed by Cllr. Mc Glynn, seconded by Cllr. Mc Mahon

 

(c)               Submitted by Cllr.  Florence Doherty

 

It was agreed that both Cllr Doherty’s and Cllr. Mc Mahons motions be taken together.

 

(i)                “That this Council develop an emergency response plan for actions to be taken in times of emergency eg. response to the arctic conditions”

 

“That this Council call on the government to establish an all party committee to deal with emergencies such as the frost, ice and snow that happened recently”

 

Proposed by Cllr Doherty, seconded by Cllr. Rafferty

 

Mr. Sean Sheridan confirmed that a Major Emergency Plan was in place and that the County Council has already initiated a review, a number of issues arising from meetings is being reviewed and in terms of performance Donegal County Council performed very well.

 

Cllr. Mc Mahon felt it could have been co-ordinated a bit better and local people were prepared to help out in estates if salt/sand was left at the bottom of each estate.

 

Cllr. D. Doherty felt if a call centre could arranged where older people could ring in and volunteers get their groceries or help them.  He also suggested leaving coal like bunkers at the bottom of roads where people can help themselves to sand/grit.

 

Cllr. Mc Glynn felt that the Councils staff could man phones so eliminating the need for a call centre.

 

(ii)              “That this Council post all information to our Tenants in regard to purchasing out their house eg. shared ownership and all other options”

 

Proposed by Cllr. F. Doherty, seconded by Cllr. Barrett

 

(iii)           “That this Council raise the money perhaps in the form of a loan to help the BASIC Playschool purchase the building they now occupy”

 

Proposed by Cllr. F. Doherty, there was no seconder

 

(iv)             “That this Council continue to buy more Christmas Light pieces as they are a huge success and look great, well done”

 

 

(v)               “That this Council discuss all options including demolishing the six houses on Drumacrin Road, as they are sub-standard and can not comply to Health & Safety Reg.  Some of the residences informed me that they nearly perished as they were trapped in their houses which are damp and they could not light their range as the chimneys are cracked during the big freeze”

 

Proposed by Cllr. F. Doherty, seconded by Cllr. Mc Mahon.

 

Cllr. Barrett reminded the members that there is an application for this scheme with the department .  Cllr. F. Doherty requested an update onthe application.

 

(d)               Submitted by Cllr. Dermot Doherty

 

(i)                “That this Council calls on the government to set a date for the Donegal South West Constituency bi-election”

 

Proposed by Cllr. D. Doherty, seconded by Cllr. Rafferty

 

(ii)              “That this Council bans Rottweiler dogs in public places under the Control of Dogs Act 1986”

 

Proposed by Cllr. D. Doherty, seconded by Cllr. Rafferty

 

Cllr. F. Doherty asked that the motion be amended to the dogs mentioned in the Dogs Act or asked Cllr. Doherty if he had something against Rottweilers.

 

Cllr. D. Doherty confirmed that the complaints he had received were only regarding rottweilers that he would not be making an amendment to his motion.

 

(iii)           “That this Council increases the points allocated to locals on the housing lists from five to twenty”

 

Proposed by Cllr. D. Doherty, seconded by Cllr. F. Doherty

 

Mr. Mc Nulty confirmed that he would have to request Department approval.

 

(iv)             “That this Council trim back the trees and bushes on Church Road opposite St. Patrick’s Hall as they are a danger to pedestrians”

 

Proposed by Cllr. D. Doherty, seconded by Cllr. Rafferty

 

Mr. Mc Nulty confirmed that this was on private lands and Donegal County Council could serve a letter to the owner.  Cllr. Mc Mahon said that maybe the Tidy Towns Committee could have a look at this.

 

(v)               “That this Council examines the possibility of placing a camera overlooking the bottle banks at the Astoria Car Park as illegal dumping of house hold waste is taking place”

 

Proposed by Cllr. D. Doherty, seconded by Cllr. F. Doherty

                                               

(e)            Submitted by Cllr Michael Mc Mahon

 

(vi)             “That this Council now get in touch with the developer of Doran Park, Bundoran”

 

Proposed by Cllr. Mc Mahon, seconded by Cllr. Connolly

 

Mr. Sean Sheridan confirmed that this was a National issue, and the Council have been very active in relation to issues surrounding this estate at which we reviewed all the issues including condition of non compliance because a lot of this will lead to legal action.  At the moment he could not discuss the issues, but that the Council were actively pursuing this and would prefer at this stage to leave with the Council to report to the members at a later stage. 

 

In relation the lighting Liam Murray and Airtricity have started works here and it is anticipated that Airtricity would be completed by the end of next week and they are located problem at Main Street.

 

Cllr. Connolly felt there were Health & Safety issues surrounding the O’Gorman Arms site which was left in this state by people who had many good years and where do the Council on Health & Safety.

 

 

 

(vii)          “That this Council call on the government for an enquiry into the banking scandal”

 

Proposed by Cllr. Mc Mahon, seconded by Cllr. F. Doherty

 

            (f)            Submitted by Monaghan Town Council

 

(i)                “In light of the continuing decrease in monthly residential rents in the private sector, that this Council write to Minister John Gormley, Department of Environment and Local Government, seeking similar decreases in rents imposed by Local Authorities to their tenants and that the reduction in revenue to the Council is subvented through the Local Government Fund allocation to each Council”

As read

 

Cllr. F. Doherty asked that any tenants with a reduction in income be made aware that they apply in wring, she asked that Vincent Rooney, Revenue Collector make available all information to tenants.

 

14/10            Correspondence

 

Notice that Donegal County Council advertised in the Donegal Democrat re. tenders for the sponsorship of Roundabouts.  Cllr. Mc Mahon asked that Peadar Thomas speak with Waterworld.

 

A response from Marianne Lynch, Bundoran Library in relation library car parking spaces being made available to the Health Centre where the Library were not in agreement.

 

Letter received from 33 rate payers requesting to meet the Council in relation to Car Parking and Commercial Rates.  It was agreed to meet a deputation at the next monthly meeting.

           

 

            This concluded the business of the meeting.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                    ___________________________

                                                                                                    Town Clerk

 

 

 

 

                                                                                    ___________________________

                                                                                                        Manager